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Author Notes: A recipe, now slightly modified to my taste, that was inspired by my Grandma Angelo; who came to this country after my Grandfather worked in America a few years and was finally able to send $ for the family to join him. To this day I can still smell the “meat-a-ball Sunday” aroma and hear the laughter of those who would join us; the rest of the story is meatball history.

When preparing this recipe fry to brown the balls, but, I do admit to a quick brown in the convection oven now and then. Use fresh bread crumbs gently tossed into the ground meat mixture and lightly pack when forming the balls, make sure to brown only the outsides of them, this allows the tender interior to cook in a simmering sauce while releasing its wonderful, to die for aroma throughout the kitchen; soon you will be on your way to tender, juicy mouth-watering meatball heaven!
—lapadia

Add the bread mixture and the beaten egg to the ground meat; gently toss with your hands until all ingredients are incorporated.
The mixture must feel moist, (slightly sticky) and be able to hold together; add 1 tablespoon of water at a time if you feel the mixture needs more moisture.

Gently form the meat into lightly packed balls.

Heat the fry pan – medium high heat; fry the balls, brown and crisp all sides. Brown only the outside of the meatball to seal them together. Note: I have also browned these in the oven @ 375 degrees for ½ hour, turning a few times.

Transfer the meatballs to an already simmering sauce and cover. The inside of meatball will cook in the sauce.

Simmer sauce for about 2-3 hours; until the sauce is sticking to the balls, they look juicy, and the aroma is filling the air with “Italian goodness”.

My hat if off to all the meatball recipes entered, all of them tasty; I especially like reading about the recipe’s origin, most of which hold a special place in the heart, passed down from generation to generation…Thanks to all for sharing stories, pictures and recipes!!

Mmmmm, so delicious! Love the recipe and really love the story. It's wonderful, isn't it, how a dish can evoke not just tastes and smells, but also the laughter and the love of the people who have shared it. ;o)